Bali Seeks Consular Support to Tackle Crimes Involving Foreign Nationals
In a proactive move to enhance security and maintain Bali’s reputation as a premier global tourist destination, local authorities are calling on foreign consulates to assist in curbing crimes committed by international visitors. This initiative comes amid a notable rise in criminal cases involving foreigners on the Indonesian holiday island.
Bali Police Chief Daniel Adityajaya emphasized the importance of cooperation during a meeting held on October 31 in Denpasar with representatives from 24 consulates, including major countries such as Australia, China, Japan, the United States, and Russia. The gathering, a follow-up to a similar discussion in February, aimed to foster joint efforts to ensure tourists adhere to local laws and customs.
“Bali is a global destination. Security is our shared responsibility to ensure tourism continues to operate smoothly and benefit all parties,” said Chief Adityajaya. He stressed that managing tourism security is not solely a police matter but a collaborative endeavor involving multiple stakeholders.
According to Bali’s police data, from January to October this year, there were 301 criminal cases involving 309 foreign nationals. The offenses ranged across various types, including visa and immigration violations as well as more serious crimes such as narcotics offenses, fraud, illegal investing, and cybercrime.
Suwandi Prihantoro, director of community development at Bali police, underscored the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies. “The police cannot solve this problem alone. Therefore, we are involving the local government, agency heads, and immigration authorities to jointly carry out their duties according to their respective fields and functions to maintain a more orderly Bali,” he explained.
To bolster these efforts, local authorities have intensified passport checks and security operations at popular tourist hotspots including Canggu, Ubud, and Legian. These measures aim to identify potential offenders early and ensure compliance with Indonesian laws.
As Bali continues to welcome international visitors, the collaborative approach between the police, government bodies, immigration officials, and foreign consulates is expected to play a crucial role in sustaining the island’s safety and hospitality standards, thereby protecting its tourism-driven economy.
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